#Japan #Tokyo #Marine Ecosystem #ZEISS #science education

ZEISS at the Marine Ecosystem Symposium

ZEISS, a leading international technology company with roots tracing back to 1846, is set to showcase its commitment to sustainability and scientific understanding at the upcoming Marine Ecosystem Symposium. This notable event will be hosted at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno Park, Tokyo, on August 8, 2026. The symposium, themed “Understanding Marine Environments and Creatures Together: Weaving the Living through to the Dead,” aims to highlight crucial aspects of marine ecosystems and the interconnectedness of life.

At this symposium, a representative from ZEISS's sustainability team will present a lecture titled, “Seeing the Connectivity of Life - ZEISS 'A Heart for Science'.” This talk will delve into how ZEISS’s state-of-the-art visualization technologies can enhance our understanding of marine ecosystems and biodiversity, spanning from microscopic organisms to larger marine life.

Moreover, ZEISS is also collaborating with the National Museum of Nature and Science for a special exhibition called “Super World of Living Things,” which runs from July 11 to October 12, 2026, in partnership with NHK's “Darwin is Coming!” initiative. This exhibition features the ZEISS Axioscope 5 research optical microscope, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the fascinating structures of the micro-world, thus exploring the mysteries of life on a minute level.

These initiatives underscore ZEISS's philosophy of providing new perspectives for understanding life, illustrating the integration between cutting-edge technology and ecological education.

Highlights of the Lecture

In this engaging talk, tangible research cases and observational opportunities will be presented based on the global STEM education initiative by ZEISS, “A Heart for Science.” Some key highlights include:

• - Miyake Island Whale Snot Project: Collaboration on advanced research using drones to collect and analyze blow samples from humpback whales.

• - Visualization of Local Ecosystems: Observations of soil animals at Meiji Shrine and benthic as well as aquatic organisms at Hama-Rikyu, showcasing familiar yet vital ecosystems.

• - Ecosystems Supporting Natural Environments: Explanation of the complex interconnections within ecosystems, ranging from unseen microbial life to large marine mammals.

As ZEISS continues to innovate with advanced optical technologies, the company remains committed to contributing to the development of life sciences and enhancing understanding of sustainable biodiversity through educational outreach.

Overview of the Marine Ecosystem Symposium

Name: Understanding Marine Environments and Creatures Together: Weaving the Living through to the Dead
Date: August 8, 2026
Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science, Ueno Park, Tokyo
Lecture Title: Seeing the Connectivity of Life - ZEISS 'A Heart for Science'
Details: Event Page of National Museum of Nature and Science

Overview of the Special Exhibition “Super World of Living Things”

Name: Special Exhibition “Super World of Living Things - National Museum of Nature and Science x Darwin is Coming!”
Duration: July 11, 2026 - October 12, 2026
Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science, Ueno Park, Tokyo
Collaboration Details: Loan of optical microscope “ZEISS Axioscope 5” and display for observation corner
Official Site: Super World of Living Things Official Site

About ZEISS

ZEISS is an internationally leading company founded in Germany in 1846, utilizing optical technology across multiple fields. Established in Japan in 1911, the company operates under three branches: Carl Zeiss Japan, Carl Zeiss Meditec, and Carl Zeiss Vision Japan. Spanning four segments—semiconductor manufacturing technology, industrial quality and research, medical technology, and consumer markets—ZEISS boasts a global revenue of approximately 12 billion euros. The firm is renowned for providing innovative solutions across diverse sectors including industrial measurement, quality assurance, life sciences, materials research, ophthalmology, and microsurgery, receiving high acclaim worldwide. As of 2025, ZEISS invests 15% of its revenue in research and development and employs about 46,600 people across 40 R&D facilities, 30 production sites, and 60 sales and service companies in approximately 50 countries. Furthermore, the owner of ZEISS, the Carl Zeiss Foundation, is one of Germany's largest institutions dedicated to promoting science.